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The Irvington Visual Arts and Music for Society (VAMs) Club held their Thanksgiving Concert in the Aegis Gardens elderly home on Nov. 20. The members performed solo singing, piano, flute, euphonium, as well as the guitar for the seniors residing in the home. A large number of elderly residents in the Aegis Gardens have mental disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s, and the VAMS Club hoped to provide mental stimulation as well as enjoyment

The senior residents gathered in the warmly lit lobby and listened to the VAMS members’ performances. The seniors listened in silence while students performed pleasing melodies using different instruments, and some began to sway their heads to the music or drum their fingers to the rhythm.

Although VAMS was unable to collaborate with the Mission San Jose Band due to scheduling conflicts, they still held an impressive performance. Some members performed strong, skilled piano pieces with heavily constructed and long scales and arpeggios, while others sang soothing songs, accompanied by calm melodies of the guitar. Aside from showcasing their impressive musical abilities, the performance holds a more important purpose.

“I want [the performers] to understand how it feels to make people happy, and how a simple act can help people,” VAMS president junior Eileen Wang said. “What they have been practicing- it doesn’t only have to be for school, grades or their parents – they can actually bring it to an audience that needs their help.”

VAMS members have been performing for the elderly for the past two years. The opportunity provides student musicians with a stage and audience while entertaining the elderly. Through this service opportunity, students are given a platform to both showcase their virtuosity in music and contribute to the community.